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The University will shortly be launching the Discretionary Pay Review (DPR) process.

The scheme is a way to recognise staff who go the extra mile in their work and contribute towards the long-terms goals of the University.

Siobhan O’Reilly, Director of HR, said: “I’m pleased that we are able to reward staff who have shown their commitment to the University.  It is not just about results but also the values staff demonstrate in achieving those results.

“The University’s Remuneration Committee have authorised the Discretionary Pay Review process, which is a key part of the University’s reward strategy and links directly to the Sussex 2025 Strategic Framework, by embedding the values and behaviours that the University has signed up to.” 

To reflect the hard work of staff through the pandemic, an amended DPR process was awarded earlier this year to reward as many people as possible for their huge contribution.

What is the scheme?

The DPR is the University’s way of recognising and rewarding exceptional performance, results, values, and behaviours.

It means up to 10% of staff from each school/division (and 33% of the Professoriate) will be able to receive a consolidated increase in their pay, or a one-off payment equivalent to the value of the difference in spinal column points in their grade.

All eligible workers and their managers are encouraged to read the detailed guidance that will be published on the HR pages in the next couple of days.

Who is eligible?

The DPR is open to all staff (Grades 1-9) employed by the University (who have been in post for more than 6 months as of 1 Oct 2021), including colleagues who do not have a contractual number of hours (e.g., tutors) and those on research and short-term contracts.

There is also the opportunity to recognise teams who have excelled, with each team member receiving £750 (pro rata).

The scheme does not apply to ULT.

Why are there different eligibility rates?

The difference in eligibility rates (i.e. 10% vs 33%) is because while most staff are on an grade that includes Spinal Points, which therefore allows for annual incrementation, the Professoriate are on a fixed pay point, in order that they may also benefit from salary progression the University will recognise 33% via the DPR in order that they too may be recognised for their achievements within the role, i.e. the reason spinal points exist.

When is it happening?

The process will open on the 4 October 2021, and payment to those successful nominees will likely be made in January 2022. 

For further information:

Information about the reward process is available on the HR pages.

If you have any further questions about the DPR process please email reward@sussex.ac.uk.